Rio Rancho Observer

RIO RANCHO — You can’t have a hockey team without any defense. After signing their first-ever player in forward Grant Ahcan days prior, the New Mexico Goatheads brought their first defenseman aboard with the signing of Trevor Zins. Zins, like Ahcan, is a Minnesota product. The 6-foot D-Man played his college hockey at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

HEALTH Rio Rancho, Corrales and Albuquerque contribute to patient intake as well as staff New inpatient beds in the Westside Lovelace's med-surg department. ALBUQUERQUE — The Westside Lovelace Hospital, a few minutes across the Rio Rancho border, has expanded its inpatient capacity.

SPORTS As the calendar inches closer to October, the Goatheads are geared up for their inaugural season The mascot for the New Mexico Goatheads, Billy the Billy Goat, poses for pictures on stage on Saturday, Feb. 21 at an event at The Block in Rio Rancho. RIO RANCHO — The puck doesn’t drop until October, but the Goatheads have still been keeping busy in July.

SPORTS After graduating from being a Spartan, Sabaquie is taking an extra step toward the collegiate level Caleb Sabaquie, during his time with Bernalillo. BERNALILLO — “It’s not taking a year off; it’s spending a year investing in yourself so you're better prepared for what's to come.” Caleb Sabaquie is used to handling whatever comes his way, playing three seasons at the varsity level as a key utility player for Bernalillo baseball.

CRIME SANDOVAL COUNTY — The Sandoval County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance regarding a theft that occurred between July 6 and July 13 at a private construction site located near U.S. Highway 550 at around mile marker 76. A social media post from the department states that about 40 10-foot boards were taken from the property as well as a radio from a pickup on the site. They also note that sections of the plywood subflooring were removed to gain access to the site.

EDUCATION The agreement, effective through June 2029, gives Dr. Robert "Robby" Dodd $250,000 per year and other benefits Rio Rancho Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert "Robby" Dodd meets with administrators at Cleveland High School on Thursday, March 5, 2026. RIO RANCHO — Rio Rancho Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert "Robby" Dodd can keep his job for at least another three years.

BERNALILLO — Sandoval County Assessor Linda Gallegos resigned July 10 after commissioners called for it in a previous meeting. Uproar around Gallegos maintaining her assessor position while also getting paid full time for a state position prompted commissioners to call for her resignation on June 10. Both positions are maintained by taxpayer dollars.

BERNALILLO — The Sandoval County Sheriff's Office warned the public of an armed and dangerous man in a social media post July 15. Anthony Cerbone, 38, of Bernalillo, is wanted for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, attempted shooting at or from a motor vehicle and tampering with evidence.

CRIME Man and others allegedly held officer to the ground, stole his badge and prevented him from defending himself RIO RANCHO — The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled July 13 that a Rio Rancho police officer had reasonable suspicion to seize a man on a residential street when investigating reports of a possible assault, disorderly conduct, and noise ordinance violation in 2020.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Texas-based musician will bring his 'Hits Me Tour' to the Rio Rancho Events Center Oct. 15 Country singer-songwriter Hudson Westbrook, who will be performing at the Rio Rancho Events Center on Oct. 15. Tickets  go on sale July 17. RIO RANCHO β€” Country singer-songwriter Hudson Westbrook will perform in the City of Vision in the fall. The Texas-based musician will bring his "Hits Me Tour '26" to the Rio Rancho Events Center at 7 p.m. Oct. 15, the venue announced this week.